Regina Malayalee Association Celebrates South Indian Culture at Varnam

The Regina Malayalee Association hosted its inaugural event, known as Varnam, on Sunday at Darke Hall, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of South India. The four-hour event featured a captivating array of traditional dances, including mohiniyattam, bharatanatyam, and kathakali, showcasing the diverse artistic expressions from the five states of Southern India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

Giri Sanka, president of the Regina Malayalee Association, expressed pride in organizing this event within the Regina community. Established in 2014 as a non-profit organization, the association has grown to 13 members and aims to promote and preserve the cultural legacy of South Indian traditions. “We officially registered as a non-profit organization and put together some resources to demonstrate some of the cultural aspirations of what we have inherited,” Sanka stated.

The intent behind Varnam is to demystify these traditional art forms for the local population of Saskatchewan. Sanka explained, “We also wanted to connect to the Saskatchewan cultural heritage, that’s what we were trying to do for the last 10 plus years.”

As the event unfolded, Sanka noted the increasing participation from various communities across Saskatchewan, including visitors from Saskatoon and Weyburn. The gathering served as a platform to highlight cultural traditions that remain largely untapped in the region.

“In the last decade, we have been in a building mode of demonstrating,” Sanka remarked, indicating a commitment to fostering awareness of South Indian culture. He emphasized the importance of identifying and showcasing these lesser-known cultural riches. “Part of the journey is to demonstrate what those untapped areas are, and in addition to that, we also see synergies between Saskatchewan culture and Canadian culture.”

Varnam not only celebrated the vibrant traditions of South India but also aimed to foster connections within the diverse cultural tapestry of Saskatchewan. The success of the event marks a significant milestone for the Regina Malayalee Association, reflecting its ongoing efforts to enrich the local community through cultural exchange and understanding.